Chapter 29 I will not interfere with whom the Crown Prince favors…
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Shen Jizhao looked at the crowd singing and chanting, a slight smile playing on his lips. He casually leaned back on his throne, exuding an aura of power and innate superiority that made everyone feel ashamed and like clowns putting on an act.
The throne behind him was a small-leaf sandalwood throne with cloud and dragon patterns, which was granted by imperial decree. He was the only one in the entire court to possess it, making him extremely noble.
But no matter how prestigious, it is given by the emperor and can be taken back at any time. Throughout history, emperors have had a common problem: they are always suspicious.
He hoped that his ministers and sons would achieve something, but he did not allow them to establish great achievements or merits; otherwise, the emperor's throne would be unstable.
Prince Yu was using the acquisition of Tajiang and the expansion of territory to flatter Shen Jizhao. The emperor was still in power, yet he deliberately said that Shen Jizhao had the bearing of a hegemon, and that the common people only knew him. This implied that Shen Jizhao's achievements overshadowed the emperor and that he was too popular.
It must be said that Shen Jizhao's brothers, like him, were very familiar with the old and decrepit "dragon" on the dragon throne.
He was autocratic, selfish, and could only hold absolute power. He could not tolerate anyone overstepping their bounds or defying authority, and his power was not divided among subordinates.
He may not be recorded in history with a particularly prominent mention, but his unique imperial prestige is indispensable.
Therefore, in the imperial family, there are no fathers and sons; there is only superficial fatherly love and filial piety, but in reality, it is all about the back-and-forth testing and tug-of-war over power.
Upon hearing these words, the emperor's face indeed lost its previous rosy hue. Regardless of the dynasty, if the people kneel and worship heaven and earth, regarding them as gods, it is not the emperor who is worshipped, but someone else. Such an emperor will be condemned by future generations.
The emperor did not want history to record it this way, and his majesty rose again, enveloping the entire hall. Everyone dared not breathe and silently lowered their heads.
The emperor was examining his sons.
He could sense the urgency and quiet excitement in their breaths, and he could see the murderous intent in their eyes.
But the greatest use of the eyes is to deceive others. If they are so impatient, they will be complacent and think they will surely win before the enemy has even made a move.
After looking around, I'm still most satisfied with Lao Jiu; he has the most imperial techniques.
The crown prince, whom he personally appointed, had achieved remarkable political success. While he was proud of this, he was also wary and cautious. However, the crown prince was too clever for him to feel even the slightest urge to diminish his power.
After the emperor finished his examination and confirmed that his son posed no threat to him, Shen Jizhao spoke in a humble yet assertive manner:
“Prince Yu is indeed well-informed. You even know the folk songs that ignorant children make up when they are bored. When I obeyed my father and went to Tajiang, my father had already given me a brilliant plan. I put it into practice one by one, which saved me from going through a roundabout way.”
His words not only satirized the Fifth Prince for spending his days in the marketplace and neglecting his duties, but also attributed his achievements to the Emperor, cleverly curing the Emperor's paranoia.
The emperor smiled. His crown prince had prepared a backup plan so early on, leaving no loopholes for the enemy to exploit. It was exactly what he wanted.
At this moment, He Beiqing, the youngest military officer in the court to hold the third rank, also raised a cup of wine to toast the emperor:
"Your Majesty, I congratulate you. Your Majesty is unaware of the events surrounding the Battle of Tajiang. Several times, the Crown Prince and I were on the verge of never returning. However, the people of the border region prayed to Heaven and sought the protection of the true dragon emperor. During one major battle, the enemy used fog to trap our forces. Just then, the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly, rendering the enemy's schemes ineffective. After the battle, the clouds in the sky transformed into a dragon, which the people said was the incarnation of Your Majesty."
After three seconds of silence, the emperor's hearty laughter echoed throughout the hall: "Hahaha!"
The Fifth Prince gritted his teeth, his face contorted in a grimace. This Shen Jizhao, outwardly indifferent and disdainful, secretly sought out people to flatter him.
And the He family is determined to enter the inner circle of Shen Jizhao.
With the outcome of the matter already decided, he could only apologize: "Your Highness, please don't be offended. I was too excited and forgot my limits for a moment. I will definitely send an apology gift, and my gift will certainly not be inferior to that of the other ministers."
Jiang Shuifu, who was engrossed in secretly eating pastries, suddenly looked up, her gaze dark as she glared at the Fifth Prince. "You bastard! You want to kill Shen Jizhao? Fine, but why drag her into it?! No sportsmanship whatsoever!"
The emperor hummed in confusion: "What's going on?"
The Fifth Prince immediately chimed in, "Father, it's like this. Recently, the people have been making a huge fuss about the Crown Princess, saying that she beat some noble ladies not long ago. Those noble ladies are still bedridden, crying all day long, and... they even said they would hang themselves!"
The emperor sat up straight, surprised, and said, "Is that so?"
Just as Jiang Shuifu was about to argue, a fat old man with his head down, sighing and complaining, began to wail:
"It's all because my daughter is ignorant and has nothing to do with the Crown Princess. My daughter is not well and does not want to see anyone, so this old minister can only come to this grand banquet alone today. I hope Your Majesty will not be offended."
Once someone started it, the other ministers seized the opportunity and exaggerated as much as possible:
"My daughter has always been obedient and sensible, but now she can't even eat. She needs me to stay by her side at all times, otherwise..."
“My household is in complete chaos. My daughter can’t sleep at night. If this continues, I’m afraid she will develop mental health issues.”
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Every single incident was a veiled accusation against Jiang Shuifu, making her sound like a sorceress who could easily kill the noble ladies by casting spells on them.
Jiang Shuifu sneered repeatedly. They were really bullying her alone. They just knew that Shen Jizhao was a rule-abiding person and that he would be the first to put aside his own family in this matter, even if it would affect his reputation.
Just as she was about to make an excuse, Shen Jizhao grabbed her hand and stopped her.
Jiang Shuifu quickly withdrew her hand, not wanting him to touch her in the slightest. She asked him in a huff:
“After entering the Eastern Palace, my husband reminds me of my identity almost every day. He is the Crown Prince of the people, the son of the Empress Dowager, but not my husband! Now, are you even going to take away my chance to clarify this?”
Shen Jizhao calmly grabbed her hand again, preventing her from moving, then slowly sipped his tea and questioned everyone in his own tone:
"All of you ministers are getting on in years, and it's understandable that you have hearing problems. My Crown Princess is as everyone knows; she is the most dignified and virtuous. My father has also praised her for being polite and respectful. Therefore, I entrusted her with organizing my victory celebration banquet. Do any of you have any objections to my father's decision?"
Jiang Shuifu didn't expect him to speak up for her. Didn't he think she had done those things and had warned her multiple times?
Those in the audience who were crying and complaining about their grievances quickly pushed their hands away, saying they dared not, that questioning the emperor would cost them ten heads.
"The Emperor is naturally infallible, but the Crown Princess is of noble status. With the Crown Prince's support, she is even more powerful. If she doesn't like someone, she can punish them at will."
This is an accusation that Jiang Shuifu is arrogant and disrespectful, and also a further statement that Shen Jizhao is arrogant and disrespectful, becoming increasingly arrogant in his position as crown prince and disregarding the rules and laws of Dabei.
Shen Jizhao scoffed, "Since you're so determined to slander my Crown Princess, then I'd like to ask, where did the Crown Princess hit?"
The members of the Fifth Prince's faction exchanged bewildered glances, stammering and unable to utter a word: "This...this..."
They got more and more agitated as they talked, their faces turning red and their chests clenched with anger. How could they say this, especially in front of a man?
No one dared to say a word. If it meant sacrificing their daughter's reputation and happiness for the rest of her life in order to deal with Shen Jizhao, no one was willing to do so.
Shen Jizhao glanced at Jiang Shuifu at an inopportune moment, a faint smile in his eyes, hidden very well and not easily seen unless you looked closely.
Jiang Shuifu, of course, couldn't see it. She remained the most composed, thanks to her wisdom in striking a private, shameful spot, which left people speechless.
Shen Jizhao continued his calculations: "Since none of you can answer, I have another question. Are there any witnesses? Since the rumors are so vivid, and everyone claims to have seen it with their own eyes, why not invite one up and ask him whether a fight actually took place, and where it took place?"
This is outrageous! Not only are there no witnesses, but even if there were, they shouldn't be brought up here to publicly expose their daughter's private affairs!
The Fifth Prince's faction had no choice but to admit defeat, and they all knelt down and begged for mercy: "It was all my daughter's fault for being blind for a moment, please forgive her, Your Highness!"
Jiang Shuifu couldn't sit still any longer. Shouldn't she apologize to her? She wasn't one to take things lying down, and launched a fierce counterattack:
"May I ask you all, why did I do this? There must be a motive for hitting someone!"
She wanted to see if they could expose the things that these supposedly obedient and dignified noble ladies had done.
The Fifth Prince's faction dared not continue to pursue the matter. At this moment, Gao Qi, who had remained silent until now, and Gao Zhuxia's father, were beginning to stir.
Since that incident, the Gao family's reputation has been ruined, and Gao Qi naturally joined the Second Prince's faction. He couldn't stand Shen Ji Zhaohao and would often try to trip him up. Now that the opportunity had presented itself, he raised his head and answered firmly:
"It is common knowledge throughout the palace that the Crown Princess admires the Crown Prince. Her affection for him is like a never-ending spring stream, and she cares deeply for him. I believe many people, like this old minister, envy her."
This means that Jiang Shuifu is too fond of Shen Jizhao and too domineering. Others can only envy her and have no chance to get close to him, enter the Eastern Palace, or serve him.
Shen Jizhao's pupils instantly deepened, and his eyes widened considerably. This question piqued his interest; he wanted to know how she would answer.
His hands unconsciously clenched into his palms, and he slowly turned his head with his head held high and chest out. In addition to his usual confidence, his eyes were also filled with exploration and nervousness.
Jiang Shuifu laughed, as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world: "You mean, I'm jealous?"
Gao Qi said he wouldn't dare, but his actions showed no remorse. He seemed confident that she would be jealous and would use any means to bind the man she had fallen in love with at first sight when she was young.
She subconsciously glanced around. The Empress on the throne still wore a gentle smile, but the smile was somewhat stiff, and her eyes contained a hidden worry, as well as displeasure that few people could see, but which she was one of the few who noticed.
The Empress spoke up, her words a mix of open and subtle sarcasm: "It's something to envy. Your youngest daughter is already married. If she had been willing to learn from the Crown Princess back then, the royal family's reputation wouldn't have been tarnished!"
Gao Qi was completely speechless. All the mocking gazes turned to him, and he wished he could find a hole to bury himself in.
The atmosphere finally calmed down, and the matter was about to be put to rest. The Fifth Prince's face was as black as a pot. Why could he never get any advantage from Shen Jizhao?
At this moment, He Rushuang covered her mouth and coughed softly.
The Empress turned her gaze and said with concern, "Ru Shuang is probably still getting used to life in the capital. You must try the Hibiscus Jade Dew Cake in front of me. Hibiscus is a good medicinal herb for clearing heat and detoxifying!"
And so, under the watchful eyes of everyone, He Rushuang was favored and received the Empress's pastries.
This action drew everyone's attention to He Rushuang, and then to Jiang Shuifu, who seemed even more pitiful.
Jiang Shuifu knew this was the Empress's reminder to her to know her place, and also her implication that the He family girl was the one she had chosen, just like she had done before.
Jiang Shuifu shifted her gaze to the people seated below.
These princes and ministers all glanced at her with a mocking and teasing look, their expressions more or less carrying a hint of amusement, as if she had done something incomprehensible and laughable in front of everyone.
These gazes fell upon her slender frame, but she was not overwhelmed by them.
But not far away, a back slowly bent down, and one glance was enough to feel its sorrow.
It's Jiang Sheng.
Jiang Shuifu's heart skipped a beat. Even her father thought she would be jealous after Shen Jizhao had another woman. She could see the worry in his eyes.
She realized her foolishness once again, and fully understood how she had been perceived by others over the years: a stupid and jealous woman who couldn't live without Shen Jizhao.
Jiang Shuifu smiled wryly for a moment, then met Shen Jizhao's gaze directly and asked him with utmost seriousness, "Your Highness, will I be the only one in the Eastern Palace?"
Shen Jizhao was stunned. He hadn't expected her to ask that. His fingers twitched, and his palm was gripped even tighter. His thin lips opened and closed several times, but he couldn't say a word.
On the other side, He Rushuang calmly turned her gaze to him. Her purpose in returning this time was to marry into the Eastern Palace. She was not nervous at all about Jiang Shuifu's question because she thought Jiang Shuifu was too ignorant.
Throughout history, there has never been a man who has remained faithful to only one person, especially a member of royalty.
Just as everyone was certain, Shen Jizhao was destined to have a harem. His eyes flickered, but his resolve was firm, and he finally informed her decisively:
"I will not."
Jiang Shuifu nodded without hesitation, as if she didn't care about his answer at all.
Shen Jizhao, however, thought she was just being stubborn. Since they had already come this far, it was better to be completely clear about things, so that she wouldn't cling to unrealistic fantasies in the future.
"No matter who asks me, no matter when they ask me, no matter how many times they ask, I will only say two words: No!"
These blunt words only made the people in the room laugh at Jiang Shuifu even more, so Shen Jizhao changed to a more tactful way to tell her:
"Princess Consort, no matter how the Eastern Palace changes, I will always be your husband, so you don't need to worry."
Everyone hoped this farce would escalate further; after all, people are inherently prone to enjoying trouble, and they were eager to see Jiang Shuifu break down in tears and lose her composure as she refuted Shen Jizhao.
Jiang Sheng, who was standing to the side, had changed from feeling sad to feeling indignant.
The daughter he had pampered and raised was publicly berated by her husband, whom she longed for and whom she would marry, who pointed at her and told her not to be jealous. He cruelly told her that she was just one of the women in his harem, without any regard for her feelings or dignity.
He desperately wanted to take her home immediately, away from this heartless man. Just as he was about to stand up for his daughter, he received a gaze that calmed him down. Finally, he said to Shen Jizhao:
“Your Highness, I know the Crown Princess’s personality best. Although she is stubborn, she is also very forgiving. She won’t make the same mistake twice.”
Shen Jizhao thought he was referring to her jealousy, and he replied:
"I know she is very smart."
Jiang Shuifu smiled, as expected of her father, who understood her. She showed no sign of sadness and said to Shen Jizhao:
"Your Highness, there's no need to remind me again and again. I remember. I know that Your Highness can never be just my husband, and I don't care. I was indeed preoccupied with petty love in the past, but now I realize how unnecessary it was. I feel the same way. No matter how many times you say it, it will still be the same answer."
She then addressed the remaining crowd, clarifying the accusations leveled against her:
"Since the Crown Prince's Palace will not consist of only me, why should I stop him? It makes no difference to me who enters the Crown Prince's Palace!"
After speaking, she turned to Shen Jizhao again:
"This has cleared up a misunderstanding. I hereby swear that when new concubines enter the palace, I will never bother the Crown Prince. I will not interfere in the slightest with whomever the Crown Prince chooses to favor! Is Your Highness satisfied?"
Seeing her like this, Shen Jizhao couldn't say a word. She must be playing hard to get, saying some angry words.
He always made decisions quickly, but he sensed his inner conflict in her.
On the one hand, all the things from the past told him that she still loved him.
On the other hand, her words made that small, weak voice that had been in his heart not long ago grow louder and louder, which is why he looked at her and explored her attitude. He was confident but not sure.
He was upset, but couldn't help but stubbornly say, "The Crown Princess keeps her word."
Jiang Shuifu was not to be outdone. "Of course, if Your Highness is still not satisfied, I can also sign a written statement as proof."
Shen Jizhao turned his head away, trying to keep the words in one ear and out the other.
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A gentle breeze swept across the lakeside as the morning banquet came to an end. Jiang Shuifu and Jiang Sheng reminisced in the waterside pavilion.
"Father, can you help me? I don't want Weiwei to get hurt."
Jiang Sheng sighed, "Father can't do anything about it, but Father will support whatever Fu'er wants to do. Father will ask the Emperor for help when the opportunity arises."
Upon hearing the word "beg," Jiang Shuifu's eyes welled up with tears. She realized that her father had begged for her many times.
She never wanted him to be like that again.
"I'm sorry, Father. I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so willful. I won't do it again."
Jiang Sheng: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back..."
Shen Jizhao, who was not far away, watched this scene but did not dare to step forward. Was she so sad because of his future harem? He knew that it was probably not the case.
Come to think of it, it's been a long time since I've seen her cry. It seems like she doesn't have any extra emotions in front of him.
Why? He really didn't know.
After Jiang Sheng left, Jiang Shuifu sat alone for a while. At this time, Shen Jizhao came in.
Why not look for me?
Jiang Shuifu didn't have the energy to waste on him, and didn't answer his inexplicable question.
Shen Jizhao looked at her and said bluntly, "You've been wronged, why don't you ask me to avenge you? You are my Crown Princess, and I will not stand idly by."
It turned out that it wasn't her hallucination that day; he was there and witnessed the entire process of her taking action.
Jiang Shuifu didn't care whether he saw it or not: "There's no need. I'll take my revenge myself."
If he truly wanted to avenge her—no, his wife—why wait until she took action?
Shen Jizhao disliked this feeling of being out of control. Yes, out of control. He felt that she was drifting further and further away from him, for no apparent reason.
He unprecedentedly set aside his rules and promised to stand by her side:
"You can rely on me, and I will help you."
Not only did His Highness the Crown Prince not expose her disregard for the law, but he also promised to support her. She really didn't know how his attitude could change so quickly, when he had just humiliated her.
But she figured it out in no time. Because she didn't care, just like her, she didn't care, so she could handle things professionally, which was great, really great.
She slowly raised her head: "Yes, there is one thing that only you can help me with."
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Author's Note: Dear readers, it's best to wait until the next day to purchase the new chapter, as there will be revisions. The pace is quickening; the female supporting character's role is getting more screen time, and the ending is not far off—just three or four chapters away. Thank you all!
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